Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a transformative infrastructure project to overhaul Al Safa Street, a vital corridor connecting Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Wasl Street. The Al Safa Street Improvement Project, spanning 1,500 meters, aims to slash travel time from 12 minutes to just 3 minutes while doubling the street’s capacity from 6,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize Dubai’s road network and support the city’s rapid urban growth.
Background and Context
Al Safa Street serves as a critical link in Dubai’s transportation network, connecting major landmarks such as City Walk, Coca-Cola Arena, educational institutions, residential and commercial areas, luxury hotels, and high-end restaurants. With Dubai’s population growing and traffic increasing, the RTA has prioritized infrastructure upgrades to reduce congestion and improve mobility. The Al Safa Street project is one component of a larger plan to enhance traffic flow at 40 locations across the city, including 22 major streets, 9 school zones, and several internal roads.
Project Details
The Al Safa Street Improvement Project includes the construction of two bridges and two tunnels, with a combined length exceeding 3,000 meters. The street will be widened from three to four lanes, with two lanes designated as free-flowing and two managed by traffic signals. This upgrade will significantly boost the road’s capacity, allowing it to handle 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions, compared to the current 6,000. The project also incorporates pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, urban spaces, and landscaped areas to create a more vibrant and accessible environment.
Infrastructure Highlights
| Component | Details |
| First Bridge | 1,005 meters, 4 lanes, 6,400 vehicles/hour (Al Wasl St to Sheikh Zayed Rd/Financial Centre St) |
| Second Bridge | 360 meters, 2 lanes, 2,800 vehicles/hour (Al Satwa Rd to Sheikh Zayed Rd/Financial Centre St) |
| First Tunnel | 1,005 meters, 2 lanes, 3,200 vehicles/hour (Sheikh Zayed Rd/Financial Centre St to Al Wasl St) |
| Second Tunnel | 750 meters, 2 lanes each direction, 6,400 vehicles/hour (Al Wasl St and Al Safa St intersection) |
- Bridges:
- The first bridge, stretching 1,005 meters with four lanes, will facilitate traffic from Al Wasl Street to Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street, accommodating up to 6,400 vehicles per hour.
- The second bridge, 360 meters long with two lanes, will serve traffic from Al Satwa Road to Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street, with a capacity of 2,800 vehicles per hour.
- Tunnels:
- A 1,005-meter tunnel with two lanes will manage traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street to Al Wasl Street, supporting 3,200 vehicles per hour.
- A 750-meter tunnel at the intersection of Al Wasl Street and Al Safa Street will handle two-way traffic, with each direction capable of accommodating 6,400 vehicles per hour.
In addition to these structural enhancements, the project will upgrade intersections and traffic signal systems to ensure smoother traffic flow. The inclusion of pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, urban spaces, and landscaped areas will enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of the corridor, making it more welcoming for residents and visitors.
Community Impact
The Al Safa Street Improvement Project will benefit over one million residents by improving connectivity to Downtown Dubai and developments along Financial Centre Street. The area is a hub for tourism, cultural, and sporting events, hosting landmarks like City Walk and Coca-Cola Arena. By reducing travel times and increasing road capacity, the project will alleviate traffic congestion, streamline commutes, and enhance the quality of life for Dubai’s residents and visitors. The addition of pedestrian and cycling facilities will also promote sustainable transportation options and encourage community interaction.
Construction Timeline
The RTA has scheduled construction work for the summer months, from June to September 2025, to minimize disruption during peak traffic periods. The authority has planned the construction phases carefully to maintain accessibility for residents and visitors while ensuring steady progress on the project. Further updates on the project’s timeline and completion date are expected in the coming months.
Official Statements
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, highlighted the project’s importance: “The Al Safa Street Improvement Project is a crucial part of our strategy to enhance Dubai’s road network. This development will reduce travel times and support the city’s growth and ensure a higher quality of life for our residents.”
Broader Infrastructure Initiatives
The Al Safa Street project is part of a comprehensive RTA master plan to upgrade Dubai’s road network, which includes improvements to Umm Suqeim and Al Wasl Streets. A related initiative, announced on June 3, 2025, focuses on upgrading six key intersections between Umm Suqeim and 2nd December Street. This broader project involves constructing five tunnels totaling 3,850 meters and widening roads to three lanes in each direction over a 15 km corridor. It aims to increase capacity from 8,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour, halve travel times, and incorporate pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, boulevards, and public spaces. These efforts reflect Dubai’s commitment to accommodating its growing population and maintaining its status as a global leader in urban development.
The Al Safa Street Improvement Project represents a significant step forward in Dubai’s efforts to enhance its transportation infrastructure and support its rapid urban growth. By reducing travel times, increasing road capacity, and improving connectivity to key districts, the project will make daily commutes more efficient and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. With construction underway and a focus on sustainable urban features, Dubai continues to set a global standard for smart and innovative city planning.
